Regenerative handler raise and gravity lower cylinder

ABSTRACT

Hydraulic power savings for a rear module handler cylinder of a round module cotton harvester is possible by using a regenerative hydraulic arrangement for raising an empty handler and using gravity to lower the handler. A bale handler system for a cotton picker baler includes a handler for receiving a round module that is movable between upright and lowered positions and a handler cylinder operably connected to the handler. The handler cylinder system includes a regenerative valve. The regenerative valve is engaged when the handler moves to the upright position during regenerative handler raise mode of operation, the regenerative valve is not engaged when the handler moves to the lowered position during float handler lower mode of operation. While in the float handler lower mode of operation, the handler cylinder retracts and diverts an oil flow pressure from a base end to a rod end of the handler cylinder.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/197,880 filed Nov. 21, 2018, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a work vehicle having an adjustablework implement, and in particular to a cotton harvester with a balehandler system having a regenerative and gravity lower hydrauliccircuits for reducing overall peak vehicle power needs.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In certain operating conditions of round module cotton harvesters, thereare many systems that require power at the same time. As one canappreciate, there is only a limited amount of engine power available forall of these systems based on the engine provided with the harvester.One solution is to provide a larger engine which in turn provides morepower, however a larger engine is also more costly which is undesirablefor a consumer. A smaller engine which typically has a lower cost isdesirable for the consumer but it provides less power.

One example operation of round module cotton harvesters in which manysystems require power around the same time is after the handler lowers amodule to the ground, the accumulator empties loose cotton into thebaler, the baler is operating, and raising an empty handler. The handlercan be operated with a rear module handler cylinder. Lowering thehandler with a module thereon to the ground requires pressurizing a rodside of a rear module handler cylinder. Even though the weight of thehandler and the module is causing the rear module handler cylinder toretract, auxiliary pump flow is still required at full compensationpressure to assist in retracting the rear module handler cylinder.Additional power is required to drive an auxiliary pump to the lower thehandler at a potential time when the engine already has short-term highpower needs for other cotton handling functions. With limits on enginemaximum and boost power levels, keeping peak power below a threshold iscritical in managing cost effective engine and exhaust hardware options.

After a module is lowered to the ground with the handler, the rearmodule handler cylinder must be extended with low pressure requirementsto a fully raised handler state to allow a shorter machine for ease ofturning and to minimize headland damage when the handler is left in alowered state. For example, the operator may have reached an end of afield and require turning to continue harvesting cotton. Even though theextension of the rear module handler cylinder requires low pressurebecause there is not a module loaded on the handler, the pressurecompensated pump still needs to operate at the high standby pressure andmust provide the required flow to extend the rear module handlercylinder. The extension of the rear module handler cylinder with anempty handler, i.e., no bale, also occurs when other machine functionsare requiring temporarily high engine power spikes. The differencebetween required pressure and actual compensation pressure is extraexcessive power requirement and excessive heat rejection to the coolingsystem for both the engine and hydraulics.

Thus there is a need for improvement for power savings for a rear modulehandler.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures and combinations thereof.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method foroperating a bale handler system of a cotton picker baler, the balehandler system including a handler for receiving a round module and ahandler cylinder having a regenerative valve, the handler operablyconnected to the handler cylinder, the method comprising: determiningthat the handler is to be raised to an upright position; operating thebale handler system in a regenerative handler raise mode of operationupon satisfaction of the determination that the handler is to be raisedto the upright position; and while in the regenerative handler raisemode of operation, actuating the regenerative valve to regulate an oilflow pressure to the handler cylinder.

In one example, further comprising: while in the regenerative handlerraise mode of operation, raising the handler to the upright position.

In a second example, further comprising: determining that the handler isto be lowered to a lowered position; operating the bale handler systemin float handler lower mode of operation upon satisfaction of thedetermination that the handler is to be lowered to the lowered position;and while in the float handler lower mode of operation, operating thehandler cylinder to retract and divert an oil flow pressure from a baseend to a rod end of the handler cylinder.

In a third example, wherein the bale handler system includes a solenoidvalve; and further comprising: activating the solenoid valve to an openstate wherein a first amount of oil flows from the base end of thehandler cylinder to the rod end of the handler cylinder as the handlercylinder retracts.

In a fourth example, wherein the bale handler system includes areservoir; and wherein a second amount of oil flows from the base end ofthe handler cylinder to the reservoir as the handler cylinder retracts.

In a fifth example, wherein the bale handler system includes anauxiliary pump operably connected to the handler cylinder, wherein theauxiliary pump does not provide an oil flow to the handler cylinderduring the float handler lower mode of operation.

In a sixth example, while in the float handler lower mode of operation,lowering the handler to the lowered position.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method foroperating a bale handler system of a cotton picker baler, the balehandler system including a handler for receiving a round module and ahandler cylinder, the handler operably connected to the handlercylinder, the method comprising: determining that the handler is to belowered to a lowered position; operating the bale handler system infloat handler lower mode of operation upon satisfaction of thedetermination that the handler is to be lowered to the lowered position;and while in the float handler lower mode of operation, operating thehandler cylinder to retract and divert an oil flow pressure from a baseend to a rod end of the handler cylinder.

In one example of this embodiment, wherein the bale handler systemincludes a solenoid valve; and further comprising: activating thesolenoid valve to an open state wherein a first amount of oil flows fromthe base end of the handler cylinder to the rod end of the handlercylinder as the handler cylinder retracts.

In a second example, wherein the bale handler system includes areservoir; and wherein a second amount of oil flows from the base end ofthe handler cylinder to the reservoir as the handler cylinder retracts.

In a third example, wherein the bale handler system includes anauxiliary pump operably connected to the handler cylinder, wherein theauxiliary pump does not provide an oil flow to the handler cylinderduring the float handler lower mode of operation.

In a fourth example, while in the float handler lower mode of operation,lowering the handler to the lowered position.

In a fifth example, wherein the handler cylinder includes a regenerativevalve; and, further comprising: determining that the handler is to beraised to an upright position; operating the bale handler system in aregenerative handler raise mode of operation upon satisfaction of thedetermination that the handler is to be raised to the upright position;and while in the regenerative handler raise mode of operation, actuatingthe regenerative valve to regulate an oil flow pressure to the handlercylinder.

In a sixth example, further comprising: while in the regenerativehandler raise mode of operation, raising the handler to the uprightposition.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a balehandler system for a cotton picker baler comprising: a handler forreceiving a round module, the handler movable between an uprightposition and a lowered position; and a handler cylinder operablyconnected to the handler, the handler cylinder having a regenerativevalve operably connected thereto, the regenerative valve engaged whenthe handler is engaged to move to the upright position during aregenerative handler raise mode of operation, the regenerative valve notengaged when the handler is engaged to move to the lowered positionduring a float handler lower mode of operation.

In one example, further comprising: a restriction valve operablyconnected to the handler cylinder, the restriction valve engaged whenthe handler moves to the lowered position during the float handler lowermode of operation.

In a second example, further comprising: a pilot operated check valveoperably connected to the handler cylinder and a plurality of hoses, thepilot operated check valve configured to operate in a lockedconfiguration when one of the plurality of hoses has failed such thatthe handler is restricted from movement to the lowered position, thepilot operated check valve configured to operate in an unlockedconfiguration when none of the plurality of hoses has failed such thatthe handler is not restricted from movement to the lowered position.

In a third example, further comprising: an auxiliary pump operablyconnected to the handler cylinder, wherein the auxiliary pump does notprovide an oil flow to the handler cylinder during the float handlerlower mode of operation.

In a fourth example, wherein the handler cylinder includes a firsthandler cylinder and a second handler cylinder.

In a fifth example, further comprising: a control valve block operablyconnected to the handler cylinder.

This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid inlimiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further embodiments,forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall becomeapparent from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner ofobtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself willbe better understood by reference to the following description of theembodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a work vehicle, and morespecifically, of an agricultural vehicle such as a cotton harvestingmachine.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bale handler system having a singlehandler cylinder of the work vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a hydraulic schematic diagram for the bale handler system ofthe work vehicle of FIG. 1 using one single handler cylinder in a normallower mode of operation;

FIG. 3B is the hydraulic schematic diagram from FIG. 3A for the balehandler system of the work vehicle of FIG. 1 using one single handlercylinder in a float or gravity handler lower mode of operation;

FIG. 3C is the hydraulic schematic diagram from FIG. 3A for the balehandler system of the work vehicle of FIG. 1 using one single handlercylinder in a normal raise mode of operation;

FIG. 3D is the hydraulic schematic diagram from FIG. 3A for the balehandler system of the work vehicle of FIG. 1 using one single handlercylinder in a regenerative handler raise mode of operation;

FIG. 4A is a hydraulic schematic diagram for another bale handler systemhaving two handler cylinders in a normal raise mode of operation;

FIG. 4B is the hydraulic schematic diagram from FIG. 4A for the balehandler system having two handler cylinders in a normal lower mode ofoperation;

FIG. 4C is a hydraulic schematic diagram from FIG. 4A for the balehandler system having two handler cylinders in a float or gravityhandler lower mode of operation; and

FIG. 4D is a hydraulic schematic diagram from FIG. 4A for the balehandler system having two handler cylinders in a regenerative handlerraise mode of operation.

Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications arenot to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in anymanner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thenovel invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments describedherein and illustrated in the drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the novel invention is thereby intended, suchalterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices andmethods, and such further applications of the principles of the novelinvention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normallyoccur to one skilled in the art to which the novel invention relates.

The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the preciseforms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments arechosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciateand understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an agricultural vehicle, and moreparticularly a cotton picker baler 10, including a frame 12 supported ona pair of front wheels 14 and a set of rear wheels 16. Although notdiscussed, the present disclosure is applicable to a cotton strippermachine and the cotton picker baler 10. An operator cab 18 is mounted onthe frame 12 and contains various controls for the vehicle 10 so as tobe within the reach of a seated or standing operator. In one aspect,these controls may include a steering wheel and a control consoleincluding a display as would be understood by one skilled in the art. Anengine 20 is mounted on the frame 12 beneath a housing and suppliespower for driven components of the cotton picker baler 10. The engine20, for example, is configured to drive a transmission (not shown),which is coupled to drive the front wheels 14 at various selected speedsand either in forward or reverse modes. In other embodiments, the rearset of wheels 16 is driven to move the cotton picker baler 10, or all ofthe wheels are driven in an all-wheel drive configuration to move thecotton picker baler 10.

The cab 18 defines an operator workstation including a seat, which issupported by the frame 12. The operator workstation, in differentembodiments, includes one or more of an operator user interface,steering wheel, a joystick, and an accelerator pedal. Pedals for a brakeand a hydrostatic control are also located in the cabin 18, but are notshown.

The user interface includes a plurality of operator selectable buttonsconfigured to enable the operator to control the operation and functionof the cotton picker baler 10. The user interface, in one embodiment,includes a user interface screen or display having a plurality of userselectable buttons to select from a plurality of commands or menus, eachof which are selectable through a touch screen having a display. Inanother embodiment, the user interface includes a plurality ofmechanical push buttons as well as a touch screen. In anotherembodiment, the user interface includes a display screen and onlymechanical push buttons.

A harvesting structure or header 22 is couplable to the frame 12. Theillustrated harvesting structure 22 is configured to remove cotton froma field 35, the position of which is adjustable with respect to theframe 12. Alternatively, the harvesting structure 22 may be configuredto remove hay, corn stalks, or any other crop. An air duct system 60 iscouplable to the harvesting structure 22. An accumulator or basket 24 iscouplable to the air duct system 60. The accumulator 24 is configured toreceive cotton, or other crop, from the harvesting structure 22 via theair duct system 60. The accumulator 24 receives the picked cotton whereit is stored in sufficient quantity to enable a baler 26 to bale thecotton in a round bale 28. A feeder 30 is couplable to the frame 12. Thefeeder 30 is configured to receive cotton, or other crop, from theaccumulator 24. The accumulator 24 acts as a storage buffer to allow forwrapping and ejecting of the previous module to allow non-stopharvesting. The feeder 30 includes a plurality of rollers 38 configuredto transfer the cotton, or other crop, to a round module builder 80. Thecotton picker baler 10 includes a controller 40 that is operativelyconnected to the user interface, the bale handler system 34, andremaining components.

Cotton in the round module builder 80 is in a baler zone where it iscompressed and baled into the round bale 28. Once a bale 28 is complete,a door 32 is opened where the bale 28 exits from the baler and onto abale handler system 34. The bale handler system 34 is positionablebetween a relatively upright position 34A, a relatively horizontalposition 34B, and a relatively lowered position 34C. In otherembodiments, an end 36 of the bale handler system 34 moves to a positiontoward the ground as illustrated at lowered position 34C where the balerolls off the back for later processing. Further description of thebaler handler system 34 is described below.

While a round module builder 80 is shown and described as part of acotton picker baler 10, this disclosure is not limited to such anapplication of a module builder. More specifically, other embodimentsconsidered for this disclosure include, but are not limited to, a pulltype round baler. A pull type round baler may not include a chassis,header, air system, and other components shown on the cotton pickerbaler 10. Rather, the pull behind round baler may have a hitch, wheels,and a crop pickup assembly coupled to the round module builder. A personhaving skill in the relevant art understands how the teachings of thisdisclosure can be applied to any round-type baler or module builder andthis disclosure is not limited in application to the cotton picker baler10 shown and described herein.

In operation, the cotton picker baler 10 is driven through the field 35to harvest cotton or other crop. The illustrated cotton picker baler 10picks cotton from cotton plants in the field 35. Alternatively, thecotton picker baler 10 may strip the cotton from the cotton plants.Cotton is then transferred to the accumulator 24 via the air duct system60. The accumulator 24 holds the cotton until a predetermined cottonlevel is reached and then transfers the cotton to the feeder 30. In anexemplary embodiment, the accumulator 24 transfers cotton to the feeder30 approximately four times for each round module 28 produced. When thefeeder 30 receives cotton, the plurality of rollers 38 are activated totransfer the cotton to the round module builder 80.

After the round module builder 80 receives cotton, a plurality ofendless belts (not illustrated) rotate the cotton into the round module28. After the round module builder 80 receives sufficient cotton fromthe feeder 30, the round module may be wrapped and the round module 28can be ejected onto the bale handler system 34. The bale handler system34 supports the round module 28 and then discharges it from the cottonpicker baler 10. The cotton picker baler 10 is adapted for movementthrough the field 35 to harvest cotton.

The bale handler system 34 will now be further described. The balehandler system 34 includes a handler 200 that is operated by a handlercylinder 202 which is operatively connected to a control valve block 204illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The handler 200 is not illustrated in FIG.2 for ease of illustration of the handler cylinder 202 and the controlvalve block 204. Although a single handler cylinder 202 is illustrated,it is contemplated that two handler cylinders 202 can be used with thisdisclosure. The handler cylinder 202 and the control valve block 204 areoperatively connected via a plurality of hoses 206 to fluidly pressurizea base end 210 and a rod end 212 of the handler cylinder 202 as neededduring operation. The control valve block 204 is operatively connectedto the controller 40.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the handler cylinder 202 includes a base end 210opposite a rod end 212. The handler cylinder 202 includes an integratedcheck valve (shown externally) in the base end 210. The integrated checkvalve uses a pilot pressure signal from a manual lock valve 301integrated with the control valve block 204 to control when the handlercylinder 202 should be in a service lock state such as for example whenthe baler handler system 34 is in a relatively upright position 34A toenable access to the underside or frame 12 of the cotton picker baler10. The lock valve 301 also allows service near or underneath thehandler 200, leveraging the pilot feature.

Operatively and fluidly connected to the handler cylinder 202 is anauxiliary pump 307 which maintains a standby pressure. In a normalpowered mode of operation to raise the bale handler system 34 to therelatively upright position 34A wherein the auxiliary pump 307 providesflow to maintain standby pressure, solenoid valve 303 is opened to allowflow into the base end 210 of the cylinder 202. The flow then travelsfrom the handler cylinder 202, out of the rod end 212 of handlercylinder 202, across solenoid valve 306 and finally returns to areservoir 308.

In a normal powered mode of operation as illustrated in FIG. 3A, tolower the bale handler system 34 to the lowered position 34C wherein theauxiliary pump 307 tries to maintain standby pressure, fluid fromauxiliary pump 307 is pumped across a solenoid valve 305 and then acrossan orifice 313 and into the rod side 212 of the handler cylinder 202.The flow then travels from the handler cylinder 202 as the cylinderretracts, out of the base end 210, across a solenoid valve 302, and thenthe flow returns to reservoir 308.

Pilot operated check valve 310 can be piloted open to allow pressureflow through solenoid valve 305. The pilot operated check valve 310 istypically built into the manifold. During normal powered mode ofoperation, the manual lock valve 301 allows pressure from auxiliary pump307 to open the pilot operated check valve 310 which lets pressure oilflow to solenoid valve 305. Externally lock valve 301 is connected topilot operated check valve 315 which is operatively connected to thebase end 210 of the handler cylinder 202. The pilot operated check valve315 functions like a lock to keep the handler cylinder 202 from fallingto the lowered position 34C if one of the plurality of hoses 206 failsor when the operator wants to lock the handler 200 for service purposes.The pilot operated check valve 315 is located at the handler cylinder202. It can either be externally mounted or integrated into the base end210 of the handler cylinder 202.

Turning now to a float or gravity handler lower mode of operation asillustrated in FIG. 3B, wherein the handler cylinder 202 is extended andthe bale handler system 34 contains or holds the round bale 28 in theupright position 34A, the horizontal position 34B, or some positionthere between, and the bale handler system 34 is lowered to the position34C. Alternatively, the bale handler system 34 may not contain the roundbale 28 and maybe empty when the bale handler system 34 is lowered. Inthe float or gravity lower mode of operation, no additional fluidpressure from the auxiliary pump 307 is required to lower the balehandler system 34 to position 34C. Instead of driving down the balehandler system 34 by pressurizing the rod end 212 of the handlercylinder 202, even though the weight of bale handler system 34 andweight of the round bale 28 has the ability to force the bale handlersystem 34 in a downward direction, the solenoid valve 302 isproportionally opened to allow gravity to lower the bale handler system34 to the lowered position 34C. When solenoid valve 302 isproportionally actuated to an open state, oil from the base end 210 ofthe handler cylinder 202 is allowed to exit and flow through solenoidvalve 302. The flow that travels through solenoid valve 302 has twopaths thereafter. A first path for a first portion of the oil is totravel through the check feature section of solenoid valve 306 andreplenish flow into the rod side 212 of the handler cylinder 202 as thehandler cylinder 202 retracts. A second path for a second portion of theoil flow returns back to the reservoir 308 through orifice 314 and acheck valve 309. Regardless of the flow path, there is no required flowfrom the auxiliary pump 307 and therefore no power requirement forauxiliary pump 307 to retract the handler cylinder 202 and lower thebale handler system 34 to the lowered position 34C. The end effect isthat the bale handler system 34 can be lowered through proportionalcontrol without additional power from the auxiliary pump 307 and theengine 20 to lower the bale handler system 34 thereby allowing otherpower consuming systems in the cotton picker baler 10 to receive extrapower that would have gone to achieve this function.

When raising the bale handler system 34 to a storage or upright position34A after lowering the round bale 28 to the field 35 or a normal raiseis illustrated in FIG. 3C, the actual required pressure to extend thehandler cylinder 202 is low at least because there is no bale weight onthe bale handler system 34, however without a regenerative valveassociated with the handler cylinder 202, the auxiliary pump 307 wouldneed to deliver standby pressure to the handler cylinder 202. Thereforeit is beneficial for a regenerative handler raise mode of operation toreduce the oil flow and thereby the power requirements to extend thehandler cylinder 202.

In the regenerative handler raise mode of operation illustrated in FIG.3D, oil is diverted from the rod end 212 of the handler cylinder 202 tothe base end 210 through a regenerative valve 304 wherein the oil isregenerated from the rod end 212 to the base end 210. The regenerativevalve 304 enables the handler cylinder 202 to move faster and also tosave power as full power from the auxiliary pump 307 is not required inthe regenerative handler raise mode of operation. The regenerative valve304 enables the operation of the bale handler system 34 to the uprightposition 34A quickly and also makes available the extra power to otherpower consuming systems such as the accumulator 24, the door 32, or theair duct system 60 on the cotton picker baler 10. By using theregenerative valve 304 the only required flow is equal to the rod areaof the handler cylinder 202 times the handler cylinder 202 requiredtravel speed. To extend the handler cylinder 202 in a regenerativestate, pressure and flow is generated from auxiliary pump 307 and passesthrough a proportionally energized opened solenoid valve 303. The oilcontinues to pass through a check valve 311 and the pilot operated check315 and into the base end 210 of the handler cylinder 302. When thehandler cylinder 302 is being raised in a regenerative state, oil passesout of the rod end 212 and passes through regenerative valve 304 andthrough a check valve 312 to direct rod oil back to the base end 210 ofthe handler cylinder 202. The only oil requirement from the auxiliarypump 307 is the effective rod area on the base end 210 of the handlercylinder 202 times the raise speed of the handler cylinder 202. Thelower pressure requirement to extend the handler cylinder 202 works onthe same effective rod area on the base end 210 since the oil pressureis approximately the same on the rod end 212 and base end 210 of acylinder piston of the handler cylinder 302. The end effect ofleveraging the regenerative valve 304 for extending the handler cylinder302 without the round bale 28 on the bale handler system 34 is tosignificantly reduce the flow requirement and thereby the pump powerrequirement of the auxiliary pump 307 when there are other competingpower needs of the cotton picker baler 10 occurring at the same time.

Some competing power needs can include but are not limited to emptyingthe accumulator 24, wrapping the full bale 28, collecting cotton fromthe field 35 with the harvesting structure 22, the air duct system 60collecting cotton and transferring to the accumulator 24. All of thesesystems as well as other systems require power and the use of theregenerative handler raise mode of operation and/or the gravity lower orfloat down operating condition enables a power savings as well as doesnot require slowing down the engine 20 or losing power to the air ductsystem 60 and/or the accumulator 24 and thereby avoids plugging thecotton picker baler 10 with cotton or other crop material. Moreover, theengine 20 includes a rated power and a boost power, wherein the ratedpower is used for normal operations and the boost power is used for ashort duration of time when cotton picker baler 10 requires additionalor higher power. One of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that theboost power is only available for a short duration of time but isnecessary for operating the cotton picker baler 10 when multiple powerconsuming systems require power for the short duration of time. Byoperating in the float down or the regenerative handler raise conditionfor the bale handler system 34, the engine 20 can save some power andsupply or make available this power savings to other power consumingsystems when performing other tasks such as emptying the accumulator 24or continuing operation of the air duct system 60.

Although one embodiment of the control valve block 204 is illustrated ina schematic in FIGS. 3A-3D, it is contemplated there could be various ordifferent schemes and arrangements for the solenoid valves that canaccomplish the same or similar end results of allowing a regenerativeraise and gravity lower control of the bale handler system 34.

Due to the reduced flow needs to the handler cylinder 202, a smallersized auxiliary pump 307 can be used for cost savings. Also due to thereduced flow needs to the handler cylinder 202 there will be reducedhydraulic heat rejection. The reduced hydraulic heat rejection alsosupports smaller charge air cooler, radiator, and/or a smaller hydrauliccooler size and the associated cost. By managing power then a lower costengine and exhaust system can be implemented with the cotton pickerbaler 10.

The power savings enabled by using a regenerative raise operatingcondition and gravity lower or float down operating condition of thebale handler system 400 requires much less power even though the raisingfunction occurs in a relatively short amount of time. The amount ofpower savings in the raise or lower operating conditions of the balehandler system 400 will vary based on numerous factors, including butnot limited to, the type of engine 20, the type of the cotton pickerbaler 10 or other machine in which it is installed, other components ofthe bale handler system 34, and the mass of the round bale 28. Thispower savings can be diverted to other power consuming systems, not thebale handler system 34. Alternatively, a smaller less powerful enginecan be installed with the cotton picker baler 10, which may be lessexpensive. Although the power savings is over a short time duration, itis at a critical time as other power consumer systems require thisadditional power. Although this is a short time duration for powersavings, the accumulation of these time durations can add up to asubstantial power savings and vary based on the amount of cotton that iscollected by the accumulator and how often a full bale needs to beemptied from the baler. Moreover in a smaller machine the power savingswill be more critical even if the amount of power savings is less ascompared to a larger machine.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4D is a hydraulic schematic diagram for anotherbale handler system 400 having a control valve block 404, a firsthandler cylinder 402, and a second handler cylinder 403. The balehandler system 400 includes a handler similar to handler 200 that isoperated by the first handler cylinder 402 and the second handlercylinder 403 which is operatively connected to the control valve block404. The first handler cylinder 402, the second handler cylinder 403,and the control valve block 404 are operatively connected via aplurality of hoses (not illustrated) to fluidly pressurize a base endand a rod end of the first and second handler cylinders 402 and 403 asneeded during operation. The first handler cylinder 402 includes a baseend 410 opposite a rod end 412. The second handler cylinder 403 includesa base end 414 opposite a rod end 416.

Instead of the lock valve 301 being connected to pilot operated checkvalve 315 as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, the hydraulic schematic diagramin FIGS. 4A discloses an alternative locking mode of operation to keepthe bale handler system 400 from falling to the lowered position 34C ifone of the plurality of hoses that connects the first and second handlercylinders 402 and 403 to the control valve block 404 fails. A lockingcondition of the bale handler system 400 is accomplished by a manuallocking spool valve 409 that separates the based ends 410, 414 and therod ends 412, 416 from each other so if one of the plurality of hosesfails to one of the first or second handler cylinders 402 or 403, thenthe non-failing handler cylinder will keep the handler 200 from eitherfalling to the lowered position 34C or raising to the upright position34A. The manual locking spool valve 409 operates like a lockingmechanism to prevent raising and lowering of the bale handler system 400in the event of a hose failure or at time of service of the handler 200.

Operatively and fluidly connected to the first and second handlercylinders 402 and 403 is an auxiliary pump 408 that provides flow andpressure to the first and second handler cylinders 402 and 403. In anormal powered mode of operation to raise the bale handler system 400 tothe relatively upright position 34A wherein the auxiliary pump 408provides flow as illustrated in FIG. 4A, a flow raise metering valve 420is opened to allow flow into the base ends 410, 414 of the first andsecond cylinders 402, 403. The flow then travels from the first andsecond handler cylinders 402, 403, as the cylinders extend out the rodends 412, 416 of first and second handler cylinders 402, 403, acrosssolenoid restriction valve 422 and finally returns to a reservoir 408.

In a normal powered mode of operation to lower the bale handler system400 to the lowered position 34C wherein the auxiliary pump 407 providesflow as illustrated in FIG. 4B, fluid from auxiliary pump 407 is pumpedacross a solenoid valve 424 and into the rod sides 412, 416 of the firstand second handler cylinders 402, 403. The flow then travels from thefirst and second handler cylinders 402, 403 as the cylinders retract andout of the base ends 410, 414 across the locking spool valve 409 throughproportional control valve 440, and then the flow returns to reservoir408.

Turning now to a float or gravity handler lower mode of operationillustrated in FIG. 4C wherein the first and second handler cylinders402, 403 are extended and the bale handler system 400 contains or holdsthe round bale 28 in the upright position 34A, the horizontal position34B, or some position there between, and the lowered position 34C.Alternatively, the bale handler system 400 may not contain the roundbale 28 and maybe empty when the bale handler system 400 is lowered. Inthe float or gravity lower mode of operation, no additional fluidpressure or flow from the auxiliary pump 407 is required to lower thebale handler system 400 to lowered position 34C. A solenoid restrictionvalve 422 is opened or actuated to an open state, oil from the base ends410, 414 flows or passes through a lower valve 440 and either passes tothe reservoir 408 or provides an oil flow through solenoid restrictionvalve 422 to the rod ends 412, 416 of the first and second handlercylinders 402, 403. The bale handler system 400 lowers from an uprightposition 34A to a catch or horizontal position 34B to receive the roundbale 28. Pressure is then applied to the rod ends 412, 416 from the baseends 410, 414 when the solenoid restriction valve 422 is opened so thatoil can flow from reservoir 408 to lower the handler 200 to a carryposition or the horizontal position 34B. The bale handler system 400pauses in the carry position or the horizontal position 34B while bothof the solenoid restriction valve 422 and the lower valve 440 areclosed.

After the bale 28 is released to the ground 35, a regenerative handlerraise mode of operation with the first and second handler cylinders 402,403 will now be described as illustrated in FIG. 4D. A regenerativevalve 430 is opened and the oil flows from the auxiliary pump 407 intothe base ends 410, 414 of the first and second handler cylinders 402,403 through the flow raise metering valve 420. The rod ends 412, 416open and the oil flows across the regenerative valve 430 and oil alsoflows into the base ends 410, 414 of the first and second handlercylinders 402, 403. The bale handler system 400 raises to the uprightposition 34A.

While this disclosure has been described with respect to at least oneembodiment, the present disclosure can be further modified within thespirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is thereforeintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosureusing its general principles. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosure as come within knownor customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains andwhich fall within the limits of the appended claims.

1. An agricultural machine, comprising: a frame; a harvesting headercoupled to the frame, the harvesting header configured to remove cropfrom a field; a module builder for receiving the crop and forming a baleof crop; a bale handler system coupled to the frame and being movablebetween a raised position where it receives the bale of crop from themodule builder and a lowered position, the bale handler systemcomprising a handler cylinder having a base end and a rod end; and acontrol valve block for hydraulically controlling the handler cylinderbetween an extended position and a retracted position, the control valveblock comprising a reservoir, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoidvalve, a third solenoid valve, and a regenerative valve; wherein, whenmoving the bale handler system to the raised position, the handlercylinder is extended by providing hydraulic fluid from a pump throughthe third solenoid valve to the base end of the cylinder, andredirecting hydraulic fluid from the rod end through the regenerativevalve to the base end of the handler cylinder; wherein, when moving thebale handler system to the lowered position, the handler cylinder isretracted by opening the second solenoid valve, allowing hydraulic fluidto flow from the base end of the handler cylinder through the firstsolenoid valve where a first portion of the hydraulic fluid flows in afirst flow path through the second solenoid valve to the rod end and asecond portion of the hydraulic fluid flows in a second flow paththrough an orifice and a check valve to the reservoir.
 2. The machine ofclaim 1, wherein the regenerative valve is closed when moving the balehandler system to the lowered position.
 3. The machine of claim 1,wherein the regenerative valve is open only when moving the bale handlersystem to the raised position.
 4. The machine of claim 1, furthercomprising a first check valve and a second check valve, the first andsecond check valves being fluidly coupled between the regenerative valveand the base end of the handler cylinder.
 5. The machine of claim 4,wherein when the regenerative valve is open, hydraulic fluid flows alonga third flow path from the rod end through the regenerative valve, thefirst check valve, and the second check valve to the base end.
 6. Themachine of claim 1, wherein the second solenoid valve is closed when theregenerative valve is open.
 7. The machine of claim 1, wherein the pumpdoes not provide additional hydraulic fluid to the handler cylinder whenmoving the bale handler system to the lowered position.
 8. Anagricultural machine, comprising: a frame; a harvesting header coupledto the frame, the harvesting header configured to remove crop from afield; a module builder for receiving the crop and forming a bale ofcrop; a bale handler system coupled to the frame and being movablebetween a raised position where it receives the bale of crop from themodule builder and a lowered position, the bale handler systemcomprising a handler cylinder having a base end and a rod end; and acontrol valve block for hydraulically controlling the handler cylinderbetween an extended position and a retracted position, the control valveblock comprising a reservoir, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoidvalve, a third solenoid valve, a regenerative valve, a first checkvalve, and a second check valve; wherein, the first and second checkvalves are fluidly coupled between the regenerative valve and the baseend of the handler cylinder; wherein, when moving the bale handlersystem to the raised position, the handler cylinder is extended byproviding hydraulic fluid from a pump through the third solenoid valveto the base end of the cylinder, and redirecting hydraulic fluid flowsalong a flow path from the rod end through the regenerative valve, thefirst check valve, and the second check valve to the base end.
 9. Themachine of claim 8, wherein, when moving the bale handler system to thelowered position, the handler cylinder is retracted by opening thesecond solenoid valve to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the base endof the handler cylinder through the first solenoid valve where a portionof the hydraulic fluid flows in a second flow path through the secondsolenoid valve to the rod end of the handler cylinder.
 10. The machineof claim 9, wherein another portion of the hydraulic fluid flows in athird flow path to the reservoir.
 11. The machine of claim 8, whereinthe regenerative valve is closed when moving the bale handler system tothe lowered position.
 12. The machine of claim 8, wherein theregenerative valve is open only when moving the bale handler system tothe raised position.
 13. The machine of claim 8, wherein the secondsolenoid valve is closed when the regenerative valve is open.
 14. Anagricultural machine, comprising: a frame; a harvesting header coupledto the frame, the harvesting header configured to remove crop from afield; a module builder for receiving the crop from the header andforming a bale of crop; a bale handler system coupled to the frame andbeing movable between a raised position where it receives the bale ofcrop from the module builder and a lowered position, the bale handlersystem comprising a first cylinder and a second cylinder, the firstcylinder having a first base end and a first rod end and the secondcylinder having a second base end and a second rod end; and a controlvalve block for hydraulically controlling the first and second cylindersbetween their respective extended positions and retracted positions, thecontrol valve block comprising a reservoir, a first solenoid valve, asecond solenoid valve, a third solenoid valve, a locking spool valve,and a regenerative valve; wherein, when moving the bale handler systemto the raised position, the first and second cylinders are extended byproviding hydraulic fluid from a pump through the second solenoid valveand the locking spool valve to the base ends of the first and secondcylinders, and hydraulic fluid from the rod ends of the first and secondcylinders flows through the regenerative valve to the base ends of thefirst and second cylinders.
 15. The machine of claim 14, wherein thelocking spool valve is fluidly disposed between the regenerative valveand the base ends of the first and second cylinders.
 16. The machine ofclaim 15, wherein the hydraulic fluid flows along a flow path from therod ends of the first and second cylinders to the base ends thereof, thehydraulic fluid flowing through the regenerative valve and the lockingspool valve before reaching the base ends of the first and secondcylinders.
 17. The machine of claim 15, wherein the third solenoid valveis closed when the regenerative valve is open.
 18. The machine of claim15, wherein, when moving the bale handler system to the loweredposition, the first and second cylinders are retracted by opening thethird solenoid valve to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the base endsof the first and second cylinders through the locking spool valve andthe first solenoid valve where a first portion of the hydraulic fluidflows in a first flow path through the third solenoid valve to the rodends and a second portion of the hydraulic fluid flows in a second flowpath through an orifice to the reservoir.
 19. The machine of claim 18,wherein the regenerative valve is closed to prevent hydraulic fluid fromflowing therethrough when moving the bale handler system to the loweredposition.
 20. The machine of claim 14, wherein the locking spool valveis located between the pair of base ends and the pair of rod ends.